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Hives mouth: Hives and angioedema – Symptoms and causes

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Itchy mouth: Causes, treatment, and prevention

An itchy mouth is a common symptom of viral or fungal infections. It also frequently occurs during allergic reactions.

Itchiness within the mouth can range from mild to severe, depending on the underlying issue.

In this article, we explore the causes of an itchy mouth. We also describe treatment options, strategies for prevention, and when to see a doctor.

Several conditions can cause itchiness within the mouth, including the following:

Oral allergy syndrome

Share on PinterestA person with an itchy mouth may have a viral or fungal infection or an allergy.

Oral allergy syndrome (OAS) is a type of food allergy that affects the mouth, lips, tongue, and throat. It occurs in people with pollen allergies.

OAS can, for example, cause a person with hay fever — or allergic rhinitis — to experience an allergic reaction to apples or celery.

Proteins in specific foods can be very similar to proteins in certain pollens. In a person with OAS, the body reacts to proteins in these foods as though they were proteins in pollen allergens. This misidentification could result in a new allergic reaction or cause existing allergy symptoms to intensify.

According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, OAS affects 50–75% of adults who are allergic to birch tree pollen.

Tingling and itching in the mouth are among the most common symptoms of food allergies, according to a 2015 small-scale review.

Other symptoms of OAS can include:

  • a scratchy throat
  • red, itchy bumps called hives that develop in the mouth or throat
  • swelling of the lips, tongue, or throat

Foods that can cause OAS reactions include:

  • nuts
  • apples
  • celery
  • legumes
  • fish and shellfish
  • eggs
  • cow’s milk
  • soy
  • wheat

Learn more about the causes and symptoms of OAS here.

Anaphylaxis

Share on PinterestA person with anaphylaxis may experience dizziness, a rapid heartbeat, and nausea.

Anaphylaxis is another allergic reaction, but it is far more serious than OAS and requires immediate medical attention. People are at risk of anaphylaxis when their immune system becomes hypersensitive to acute allergens, such as bee stings, pollen, and certain foods.

Anaphylaxis affects the entire body and can cause low blood pressure and severe swelling. The dramatic drop in blood pressure can starve the organs and tissues of oxygen.

The swelling can affect the mouth and throat, making it difficult or even impossible to breathe.

Symptoms of anaphylaxis include:

  • itching or tingling of the mouth and throat
  • hives
  • dizziness
  • rapid heartbeat
  • nausea or vomiting
  • difficulty breathing
  • loss of consciousness

Viral infection

Viruses that attack the upper respiratory tract, such as those responsible for the common cold or flu, can cause an itchy mouth.

When a person gets a viral infection, the immune system sends specialized cells to capture and destroy the invading pathogens.

The buildup of immune cells can lead to inflammation and congestion, which can cause the roof of the mouth and the throat to feel itchy.

Viral infections can cause the following symptoms:

Oral thrush

Oral thrush is a fungal infection that occurs due to an overgrowth of Candida yeasts in the mucous membranes that line the mouth and throat.

Oral thrush causes thick, cream-colored patches on the tongue, inner cheeks, roof of the mouth, and throat. People may experience itching, burning, or general discomfort in the affected areas.

Other symptoms of oral thrush include:

  • dry mouth
  • soreness in the affected areas
  • loss of taste
  • pain while eating or swallowing

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) state that the following factors can increase a person’s risk of developing oral thrush:

  • wearing dentures
  • smoking
  • taking antibiotics
  • taking corticosteroids, including those in asthma inhalers
  • having diabetes
  • having a weakened immune system

Here, find out more about oral thrush, including home remedies that can help.

Treatment options for an itchy mouth vary depending on the cause.

Treatments for allergic reactions

A mild allergic reaction may clear up on its own, either after the person spits out the food that is causing the reaction or once their body has finished digesting the allergenic proteins.

People can also take medications called antihistamines to treat symptoms such as:

  • congestion
  • sneezing
  • itching
  • hives

A severe allergic reaction, such as anaphylaxis, requires immediate treatment. A person having a severe reaction can self-administer medication using an epinephrine auto-injector, sometimes called an EpiPen.

Epinephrine is a hormone that increases blood flow and relaxes the smooth muscles, which opens up the airways, helping a person breathe.

Treatments for oral thrush

A doctor is likely to prescribe or recommend antifungal medications to treat oral thrush. Some examples include:

  • clotrimazole (Canesten)
  • miconazole (Monistat)
  • nystatin (Mycostatin)
  • fluconazole (Diflucan)

Anyone who thinks that they have an infection in their mouth should see a doctor.

If a person thinks that they could have a particular allergy, they can schedule an allergy test. During this test, a healthcare professional will scratch or prick the skin and introduce a small sample of the allergen into the area. If the person is allergic to the substance, their body will react.

Allergy tests help identify specific allergens to avoid. A doctor can use the results to make a diagnosis and, possibly, prescribe epinephrine.

Learn more about epinephrine here.

A physical examination and a culture test help a doctor diagnose oral thrush. During a culture test, a doctor often uses a cotton swab to collect a small sample from the patches in the mouth, which goes to a laboratory for analysis.

The doctor may also request a blood test to rule out any underlying conditions.

Share on PinterestA person might be able to prevent an itchy mouth by rinsing the mouth after using corticosteroid inhalers.

People can prevent allergic reactions by avoiding known allergens.

Preventing oral thrush can involve improving oral hygiene and making some lifestyle changes, such as:

  • removing dentures at night
  • rinsing the mouth after using corticosteroid inhalers
  • brushing and flossing the teeth regularly
  • quitting smoking or avoiding secondhand smoke

An itchy mouth often results from a mild food allergy or an infection.

In the case of an allergy, the itchiness usually goes away when a person stops eating the food responsible for the reaction.

However, an itchy mouth can also be a symptom of a more severe and sometimes life threatening allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. Anyone experiencing anaphylaxis will need immediate medical treatment.

Treatments, symptoms, causes, and outlook

Hives can appear all over the body, including the face. Allergens and environmental factors can often trigger an outbreak of hives. Hives are not usually dangerous, but anyone who thinks that they may be having a severe allergic reaction should contact a doctor.

Hives are raised, itchy welts that vary in size and can appear suddenly. This type of rash, also known as urticaria, is not contagious.

As the skin on the face is very sensitive, it is a common area of the body for hives to affect.

Hives can occur due to irritation and allergies or because of certain physical triggers, such as pressure.

This article looks at the symptoms, causes, and treatment of hives. It also considers the outlook for someone experiencing hives and explains when to contact a doctor.

Hives do not only affect the face, but the face is a common location for hives because the skin there often comes into contact with allergens and other irritants.

Hives happen when the body releases histamine in response to an allergen. This chemical release causes inflammation and the distinctive rash.

The appearance of hives can vary among individuals, and they can look different depending on the color of the skin.

Sometimes, they appear as tiny raised bumps. In other cases, hives look like raised welts that have different shapes. The welts or bumps can be big or small.

Hives are usually very itchy and often come on suddenly. The rash typically lasts only a few hours, but people with chronic hives can have flare-ups on a regular basis.

A telltale sign of hives is that pressing down on a welt will turn its center white. However, this effect may be less apparent in people with darker skin tones.

Learn about the appearance and diagnosis of hives on Black skin here.

According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), hives can appear because of:

  • an allergic reaction
  • a physical trigger, including exposure to cold or hot temperatures
  • a medical condition

The AAD note that known triggers for hives include:

Sometimes, there is no obvious trigger, and the cause of hives remains unknown.

Treating hives involves avoiding contact with or exposure to the offending trigger or allergen.

Hives usually go away on their own and only last a short time. However, the itchy sensation can be very uncomfortable.

The AAD recommend that people relieve itching by using a cold compress (except in the case of cold-related hives) or applying over-the-counter (OTC) anti-itch medication that contains antihistamines.

People may also find OTC topical corticosteroids useful. In some cases, doctors may prescribe stronger corticosteroids to treat flare-ups quickly.

People with chronic hives may wish to take extra steps to minimize the symptoms. These can include:

  • avoiding overheating
  • keeping the skin moisturized
  • using fragrance-free, non-irritating skin care products

Hives can be a symptom of some autoimmune disorders and, less commonly, certain malignancies.

People can also get hives when they have a severe allergic reaction, known as anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis does not subside on its own and requires emergency treatment. Anyone experiencing the signs and symptoms of this reaction — which can include difficulty breathing, tightness of the throat, dizziness, and a sense of impending doom — should seek medical care immediately.

Contact dermatitis and hives are similar but not the same. Both can happen when the skin touches an irritant or allergen. However, a contact dermatitis rash may not appear until 1–2 days after the contact, and it can take time to heal.

Angioedema is another condition that is very similar to hives. It often results from an allergic reaction. Symptoms include:

  • facial swelling around the mouth or eyes
  • breathing trouble
  • stomach cramps
  • swelling of the extremities
  • swelling of the throat

If hives happen alongside other symptoms, such as swelling and difficulty breathing, a person should seek emergency medical attention. They may be having a severe allergic reaction.

Severe itching can cause a person to scratch hard and break the skin. As a result, bacteria can enter the body and cause an infection.

People should also see a doctor if they notice any skin changes that may signal an infection, such as discoloration or the area feeling warm to the touch.

In about 5% percent of people who experience hives, it can be a sign of an underlying condition such as liver or thyroid disease.

Some risk factors for hives include having:

Staying away from triggers can help prevent future rashes from developing.

For example, people with sensitive facial skin should avoid products with fragrances. Gentle, non-irritating products can sometimes still cause hives, though. To avoid unexpected reactions, people can perform patch tests to check for potential skin reactions.

However, it is not always possible to avoid triggers. Sometimes, people cannot identify what has triggered a flare-up.

Some triggers are also challenging to avoid. Steering clear of cold weather, for example, is difficult for someone who lives in a cold climate. Wearing facial protection such as a scarf or neck gaiter may help, but it will not guarantee that hives will never occur.

Hives are not usually severe, and the rash will typically resolve on its own. Most people can avoid any known triggers fairly easily.

If a person does not know what is triggering the hives rash on their face, they may be unable to prevent it, but managing the symptoms is relatively simple.

Hives can happen almost anywhere on the body, including the face. Some people may feel self-conscious about hives on the face, and they can be uncomfortable.

As hives sometimes happen due to an allergic reaction, people with chronic facial hives should see a doctor or allergist.

It is possible for hives to develop into a severe allergic reaction.

Not all cases of hives have an easily detectable cause. In some people with hives, there is no clear trigger of the rash. However, various treatments and home remedies can help treat the symptoms.

Allergies – Symptoms – NHS

Symptoms of an allergic reaction usually develop within a few minutes of being exposed to something you’re allergic to, although occasionally they can develop gradually over a few hours.

Although allergic reactions can be a nuisance and hamper your normal activities, most are mild.

Very occasionally, a severe reaction called anaphylaxis can occur.

Main allergy symptoms

Common symptoms of an allergic reaction include:

  • sneezing and an itchy, runny or blocked nose (allergic rhinitis)
  • itchy, red, watering eyes (conjunctivitis)
  • wheezing, chest tightness, shortness of breath and a cough
  • a raised, itchy, red rash (hives)
  • swollen lips, tongue, eyes or face
  • tummy pain, feeling sick, vomiting or diarrhoea
  • dry, red and cracked skin

Itchy, red, watering eyes

Credit:

Raised, itchy, red rash (hives)

Credit:

The symptoms vary depending on what you’re allergic to and how you come into contact with it.

For example, you may have a runny nose if exposed to pollen, develop a rash if you have a skin allergy, or feel sick if you eat something you’re allergic to.

See your GP if you or your child might have had an allergic reaction to something. They can help determine whether the symptoms are caused by an allergy or another condition.

Read more about diagnosing allergies.

Severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis)

In rare cases, an allergy can lead to a severe allergic reaction, called anaphylaxis or anaphylactic shock, which can be life threatening.

This affects the whole body and usually develops within minutes of exposure to something you’re allergic to.

Signs of anaphylaxis include any of the symptoms above, as well as:

Anaphylaxis is a medical emergency that requires immediate treatment.

Read more about anaphylaxis for information about what to do if it occurs.

Page last reviewed: 22 November 2018
Next review due: 22 November 2021

Hives (Urticaria) in Adults: Condition, Treatments, and Pictures – Overview

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Information for
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Images of Urticaria (Hives)

Overview

Hives (urticaria), also known as welts, is a common skin condition with an itchy rash of pink to red bumps that appear and disappear anywhere on the body. An individual lesion of hives typically lasts a few hours (up to 24 hours) before fading away, and new hives can appear as older areas disappear.

Physicians arbitrarily divide hives into acute (new or periodic episodes lasting fewer than 6 weeks) and chronic (periodic episodes lasting more than 6 weeks). Though many people have a single episode of acute hives that goes away within a few days to weeks, some individuals may have chronic hives that persist intermittently for years. More often than not, the offending agent is never identified in those who suffer from chronic hives.

Hives can be triggered by many things, including:

  • Medications, especially aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, narcotic painkillers, and antibiotics Infections with viruses, bacteria, or fungi 
  • Environmental allergies such as insect bites, pollen, mold, and animal dander 
  • Physical exposures such as heat, cold, water, sunlight, and pressure 
  • Medical conditions including some blood diseases and cancer 
  • Food allergies such as from strawberries, eggs, nuts, and shellfish 
  • Stress 

In many cases, the causative agent is not identified despite extensive testing. This is referred to as idiopathic urticaria. In approximately 50% of idiopathic urticaria outbreaks, hives are most likely caused by a reaction from the person’s own immune system (autoimmune reaction).

Who’s at risk?

Hives appear in people of all ages, of all races, and of both sexes.

Acute hives are most common in children and young adults, and chronic hives are more often seen in females, especially middle-aged women.

Hives are very common; it is estimated that up to 20% of the population may develop them at some point in their lives.

Signs and Symptoms

The most common locations for hives include:

  • Trunk
  • Upper arms or upper legs
  • Hands and feet
  • Face

An individual lesion of hives appears as a well-defined pink-to-red swelling, ranging in size from 2 mm to over 30 cm. Some lesions may develop a lighter center. Hives usually appear in groups or batches. They are classically incredibly itchy. Individual lesions of hives disappear within 24 hours, though a single episode with the development of new lesions may last much longer.

Dermographism is a type of urticarial reaction that appears within a few minutes of scratching the skin. The rash is usually seen in a straight line (linear) pattern. This is usually a sign of a person with sensitive skin.

Swelling of the eyes, mouth, hands, feet, or genitals can sometimes occur with hives. This swelling, called angioedema, usually goes away within 24 hours, but it can be quite severe and life-threatening when swelling of the airway occurs.

Usually itchy, hives can also burn or sting.

Self-Care Guidelines

If you are experiencing mild hives, you might:

  • Take cool showers.
  • Apply cool compresses.
  • Wear loose-fitting clothes.
  • Avoid strenuous activity.
  • Use an over-the-counter antihistamine such as diphenhydramine or loratadine.

In addition, try to discover what is triggering your hives and avoid whatever it might be. In particular, pay attention to any new foods that were ingested or new medications that were started.

When to Seek Medical Care

Call 911 if you are feeling lightheaded or are having difficulty breathing or swallowing associated with your hives.

In non-urgent situations with hives, see your doctor if the hives do not improve with treatment or if they continue to appear for more than a few days.

Before visiting your doctor, try to notice what might be triggering your hives and whether it improves or worsens with exposure to heat, cold, pressure, or vibration. Take a list of every medication (prescription or over-the-counter), supplement, or herbal remedy you may have taken recently. Also, recall any recent illnesses you may have had since some illnesses (or their treatments) can trigger hives.

Treatments Your Physician May Prescribe

After confirming that you have hives, the physician will work with you to discover the possible cause. Your doctor will take a detailed medical history and may do blood work, urine tests, or X-rays.

Obviously, the best treatment for hives is to discover any triggers and stop your exposure to them. However, most people with hives do not know the cause, and they require medications to get rid of them.

The most common medications for hives include:

  • Sleep-causing (sedating) type-1 antihistamines such as diphenhydramine or hydroxyzine
  • Non-sleep-causing (non-sedating) type-1 antihistamines such as loratadine, fexofenadine, desloratadine, or cetirizine
  • Type-2 antihistamines such as ranitidine, cimetidine, or famotidine
  • Doxepin
  • Montelukast, zafirlukast, or zileuton

In rare situations, your doctor might prescribe oral corticosteroid pills.

Trusted Links

MedlinePlus: HivesClinical Information and Differential Diagnosis of Urticaria (Hives)

References

a, Jean L., ed. Dermatology, pp.287-302. New York: Mosby, 2003.

Freedberg, Irwin M., ed. Fitzpatrick’s Dermatology in General Medicine. 6th ed. pp.547, 1129, 1137. New York: McGraw-Hill, 2003.

Hives (Urticaria) (for Parents) – Nemours Kidshealth

What Are Hives?

Hives are red raised bumps or welts on the skin. Hives (or

urticaria) is a common skin reaction to something like an allergen (a substance that causes allergies).

The spots can appear anywhere on the body and can look like tiny little spots, blotches, or large connected bumps.

Individual hives can last anywhere from a few hours to a week (sometimes longer), and new ones might replace those that fade. Hives that stay for 6 weeks or less are called

acutehives; those that go on longer than 6 weeks are
chronichives.

What Causes Hives?

An allergic reaction can cause hives, as can:

  • temperature extremes
  • stress
  • infections
  • some illnesses

In some cases, a person has hives and angioedema, a condition that causes swelling around the eyes, lips, hands, feet, or throat. Very rarely, hives and angioedema are associated with an allergic reaction that involves the whole body or anaphylactic shock.

The red welts of hives happen when mast cells in the bloodstream release the chemical histamine, which makes tiny blood vessels under the skin leak. The fluid pools within the skin to form spots and large welts. This can happen for a number of reasons. But in many cases the cause is never found.

Most often, hives are associated with an allergic reaction, which can make the skin break out within minutes. Common allergies include:

Sometimes a breakout of hives has nothing to do with allergies. Other causes include:

  • infections, including viruses
  • exercise
  • anxiety or stress
  • sun exposure
  • exposure to cold, such as cold water or snow
  • contact with chemicals
  • scratching (dermatographia)
  • putting pressure on the skin, such as from sitting too long or carrying a heavy backpack over a shoulder

Hives due to physical causes (such as pressure, cold, or sun exposure) are called physical hives.

It can be hard to figure out what causes chronic urticaria, though it’s sometimes linked to an immune system illness, like lupus. Other times, medicines, food, insects, or an infection can trigger an outbreak. Often, though, doctors don’t know what causes chronic hives.

What Are the Signs & Symptoms of Hives?

The hallmark red raised welts are the main sign of hives. The welts can:

  • have a pale center
  • appear in clusters
  • change shape and location in a matter of hours
  • be tiny or as big as a dinner plate
  • itch, sting, or cause a burning sensation

Someone who also has angioedema might have puffiness, blotchy redness, swelling, or large bumps around the eyes, lips, hands, feet, genitals, or throat. Other symptoms can include nausea, vomiting, or belly pain.

Rarely, a person with hives and angioedema can also get anaphylactic shock. Signs of anaphylactic shock include breathing trouble, a drop in blood pressure, dizziness, or a loss of consciousness (passing out).

How Are Hives Diagnosed?

Most of the time, a doctor can diagnose hives just by looking at the skin. To find the cause, you may be asked questions about your child’s

medical history, recent illnesses, medicines, exposure to allergens, and daily stressors.

If your child has chronic hives, the doctor may ask you to keep a daily record of activities, such as what your child eats and drinks, and where the hives tend to show up on the body. Diagnostic tests — such as blood tests, allergy tests, and tests to rule out conditions that can cause hives, such as thyroid disease or hepatitis — might be done to find the exact cause of the hives.

To check for physical hives, a doctor may put ice on your child’s skin to see how it reacts to cold or place a sandbag or other heavy object on the thighs to see if the pressure will cause hives.

How Are Hives Treated?

In many cases, mild hives won’t need treatment and will go away on their own. If a definite trigger is found, avoiding it is part of the treatment. If the hives feel itchy, the doctor may recommend an antihistamine medicine to block the release of histamine in the bloodstream and prevent breakouts.

For chronic hives, the doctor may suggest a non-sedating (non-drowsy) prescription or over-the-counter antihistamine to be taken every day. Not everyone responds to the same medicines, though, so it’s important to work with the doctor to find the right one for your child.

If a non-drowsy antihistamine doesn’t work, the doctor may suggest a stronger antihistamine, another medicine, or a combination of medicines. In rare cases, a doctor may prescribe a steroid pill or liquid to treat chronic hives. Usually this is done for just a short period (5 days to 2 weeks) to prevent harmful steroid side effects.

In Case of Emergency

Anaphylactic shock and bad attacks of hives or angioedema are rare. But when they happen, they need immediate medical care.

Kids with bad allergies should carry an injectable shot of

epinephrine. The doctor will teach you and your child how to safely give an injection if your child is at risk for a severe allergic reaction.

Hives & Swelling | Riley Children’s Health

The itchiness, grouping and size range of hives make them different from other allergic skin reactions like atopic dermatitis. Hives may occur suddenly as a reaction to a specific trigger (acute hives), or they may occur repeatedly or for long periods of time (chronic hives).

Hives may appear with angioedema (swelling of the deeper tissue of the skin). Angioedema usually does not itch and commonly occurs around the eyes, lips, tongue, hands and feet. Children who have hives with angioedema are more likely to have recurring or chronic hives.

The symptoms of hives may last anywhere from a few minutes to a few months or longer. Signs and symptoms of hives often include:

  • Itching
  • Red, raised bumps or welts on the skin that turn white when pressed (blanching)
  • Sudden appearance and disappearance of these bumps

Angioedema (swelling) can occur at the same time as hives or as a separate reaction. Symptoms of angioedema include:

  • Swelling around the eyes or the lining of the eyes
  • Swelling of the hands and/or feet
  • Swelling of the mouth and/or throat
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Stomach cramps

Hives can appear in one area or all over the body. If your child suddenly develops severe hives or angioedema and is having trouble breathing, is vomiting or loses consciousness, he or she may be experiencing anaphylaxis, a severe allergic reaction. Anaphylaxis is an emergency. If you think your child is experiencing a severe allergic reaction, take him or her to the hospital for immediate treatment.

Many different factors can cause your child to develop hives or swelling. These causes may be physical reactions, allergic reactions or nonallergic reactions.

Physical causes include:

  • Cold
  • Heat
  • Pressure
  • Sunlight
  • Vibration
  • Water

Allergic reactions can cause hives or swelling in response to:

  • Pollens
  • Dander
  • Mold spores
  • Foods
  • Drugs
  • Insects

Nonallergic causes of hives include:

  • Infections
  • Idiopathic reasons (no cause is found)
  • Autoimmune conditions
  • Other conditions

Diagnosis of Hives & Swelling

As a first step to diagnosing the cause of hives and swelling, the allergy doctors at Riley at IU Health will ask about your child’s medical history and do a physical exam. The focus will be on exposures that may be contributing to the problem.

Allery specialists will often perform an evaluation if the problem is chronic (for example, a child is has hives daily for two to three months). It can be extremely difficult to identify and confirm causes of chronic hives, but the allergy specialists at Riley at IU Health are trained to review your child’s medical history to help determine a possible cause and direct any further testing.

In the case of acute hives, there may be an obvious food or substance such as peanuts or a medicine that acts as a trigger. Acute hives may not require further evaluation or allergy testing unless a food is part of the history or there is anaphylaxis.

If your child’s allergist suspects a food allergy based on your child’s history, the doctor may perform a food allergy test and may suggest a food challenge to confirm the diagnosis.

Identify, Treat and Prevent Urticaria in Children

When you find hives on your child, you may worry about their cause. Does your child have a serious allergy to a certain food or chemical? Is he or she on the verge of a viral infection? These reddish or pinkish raised bumps (sometimes with a white center) can have a variety of – mostly mild – causes, from allergies and illnesses to stress and weather. They are often very itchy.

How common are hives in children, and what causes them?

Urticaria, also known as hives, are very common in children – affecting up to 25 percent of kids at least once. When a child is exposed to a specific trigger – an allergen, infection, extreme temperature or a period of high stress – mast cells release histamine, which causes fluid to leak from small blood vessels under his or her skin. This results in red or pink patches and itching. If you’re not sure whether your child has these or a different type of rash, you can see a picture of hives here.

Here are some common hive triggers:

  • Bug bites or stings
  • Contact with certain chemicals (soaps, detergents, lotions, etc.)
  • Exposure to pets or other animals
  • Food allergies, especially to fruits, milk, tree nuts and shellfish (occasionally accompanied by serious allergy symptoms)
  • Pollen
  • Viral infections (usually harmless)

Less common triggers include:

  • Anxiety or stress
  • Bacterial infections (like Strep)
  • Exercise
  • Exposure to cold temperatures
  • Medication allergies (very rare)
  • Sun exposure

Should I handle hives at home or seek treatment?

If your child has a small patch of hives – and is showing no other symptoms – the hives are probably an allergic reaction to something like plant pollen, pet saliva or a minor chemical irritant. Wash your child’s skin, and offer ice cubes or a cold pack to ease itching. The hives should subside within a few hours.
If the hives are more widespread or very itchy – as long as they’re not accompanied by other symptoms and your child is over the age of 1 – give your child a dose of Benadryl every four to six hours until the hives have subsided.

Call your child’s doctor by the next day if:

  • Your child has developed a fever or joint pain.
  • The hives have spread all over his or her body.
  • The hives are keeping your child from normal activities.
  • Hives appeared after your child ate a certain non-high-risk food (like fruit) or took an over-the-counter medication, but he or she is experiencing no other symptoms.
  • The hives are causing swelling around your child’s eyes or mouth.

Call the doctor immediately or go to the ER if:

  • Your child is under a year old and has hives all over his/her body.
  • Your child looks or acts very sick.
  • The hives started after he or she took a prescription medication.
  • The hives erupted after he or she ate a high-risk food, such as nuts, shellfish, fish or eggs.
  • You feel your child’s hives are severe and need to be seen immediately.

Call 9-1-1 now if your child has hives and:

  • Your child has a hoarse voice or cough.
  • He or she is wheezing or having trouble breathing.
  • Your child is drooling, having trouble swallowing or is slurring his or her speech.
  • He or she has been exposed to a known allergen.
  • Your child feels dizzy or faint or has lost consciousness.
  • You have reason to believe your child is experiencing a life-threatening emergency.

When will hives go away?

Most cases of hives are not serious, and your child should start to look less blotchy and feel less itchy within a few hours to a few days. Of course, if you have any concerns, it’s a good idea to call your child’s doctor.

Hives affect up to 25% of kids at least once. They are the cause of a specific trigger like an allergen, infection or extreme temperature. Learn more about hives in kids from an expert @Childrens.

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Urticaria treatment in Kazan

Urticaria is a fairly common disease, the clinical picture of which is a rash on the skin, as well as on mucous membranes. What are the causes of this disease, and what features does urticaria have? Treatment in Kazan on favorable terms – the AM Medica center.

Causes of urticaria

The reasons for the appearance of urticaria on the body can be any. It can occur as an allergic reaction to certain medications, antibiotics, food, and various chemicals.A rash on the body can also appear as a result of hypothermia or, on the contrary, prolonged sunbathing.

But very often the appearance of urticaria is due to much more serious reasons:

  • Helminthiasis – diseases provoked by helminths
  • Disorders of the gastrointestinal tract
  • Malfunctions of internal organs
  • Problems of the nervous system.

We should also mention insect bites – in the summer, they are the most common reason for contacting specialists.

Urticaria treatment: basic steps

First of all, it is important to understand what causes urticaria – treatment is prescribed only after a comprehensive examination. A rash on the body is only a symptom, but until the main cause of its occurrence is discovered, it is impossible to find an actual therapy.

Initially, the changes will affect:

  • Sleep and Rest
  • Ration
  • Restoration of normal functioning of the digestive system
  • Improvement of the state of the nervous system.

After the test results are available, appropriate antihistamines are prescribed. To relieve discomfort, itching, and sometimes even pain, special ointments and creams with a cooling effect will help.

In some cases, hospitalization may be required for intensive treatment. Similar measures are taken if the lesion affects large areas of the body, or the improvement does not occur even several days after the start of treatment.

Medical Center AM Medica – complex treatment of urticaria. We offer special conditions for each patient and affordable prices – it is really pleasant to take care of your health with us.

Urticaria

IMPORTANT!

The information in this section cannot be used for self-diagnosis and self-medication. In case of pain or other exacerbation of the disease, only the attending physician should prescribe diagnostic tests.For a diagnosis and correct treatment, you should contact your doctor.

Urticaria: causes, classification, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment.

Urticaria is a disease of predominantly allergic nature, the main symptom of which is the appearance of blisters of different colors (from pale pink to purple) on the skin, accompanied by itching, and in more severe cases – other manifestations of an allergic reaction (bronchospasm, Quincke’s edema, allergic conjunctivitis, rhinitis).

According to statistics from the Russian Society of Dermatologists and Cosmetologists, 25% of people have experienced urticaria symptoms at least once.

Moreover, 15% suffer from a chronic form of this disease for at least 5 years.

Causes of urticaria

Allergic urticaria can be caused by many reasons:

  1. Contact with household chemicals (powders, cleaning products, latex gloves).
  2. Food allergens (seafood, citrus fruits).
  3. Taking certain medications (most often antibiotics).
  4. Cosmetic products (masks, shampoos, decorative cosmetics, products used for dyeing eyebrows and eyelashes in permanent make-up, for hair, nails and eyelash extensions).
  5. Contact with the skin of plant pollen that causes allergic reactions (hay fever, allergic conjunctivitis, rhinitis).
  6. Physical effect on the skin: cold, contact with water, prolonged squeezing.

The provoking factors for the development of urticaria include:

  1. A history of allergic reactions – seasonal or allergic rhinitis, conjunctivitis, bronchial asthma, atopic dermatitis.
  2. Allergic diseases and / or urticaria in close relatives.
  3. Helminthic invasion.
  4. Long-term chronic diseases of a non-allergic nature: diabetes mellitus, lymphomas, diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and thyroid gland.

Classification of the disease

The main classification of allergic urticaria is based on the duration and frequency of exacerbations of skin manifestations.

  1. Allergic urticaria is called acute if blisters on the skin after exposure to an irritant (trigger) develop once and persist for at least 24 hours. Usually the cause of this hives is a food or contact allergen.
  2. In chronic allergic urticaria, blisters on the skin persist for at least six weeks, but each new blister lasts no more than a day.Most often it develops in the presence of chronic diseases.

Thus, if an allergic reaction with skin manifestations lasts less than six weeks, it is called acute, if more – chronic.

Varieties of urticaria

  1. Papular urticaria is characterized by prolonged persistence of blisters on the skin. More often women are ill.
  2. Dermographic urticaria occurs in 2-5% of the population. After mechanical irritation, traces of exposure normally appear on the skin.The addition of a rash to this reaction and the occurrence of itching indicates dermographic urticaria.
  3. Solar urticaria is a variant of photodermatosis. After sun exposure, itchy areas with blisters appear on the skin. More often, women and persons with liver diseases or with impaired porphyrin metabolism (a group of genetic diseases in which pigment metabolism is impaired – heme biosynthesis; symptoms also include a change in the color of urine, impaired functioning of internal organs) are affected.
  4. Cold urticaria develops after skin exposure to low temperatures.
  5. Urticaria in children has symptoms similar to those of adults, but is characterized by a more violent course.

    Edema appears not only on the visible mucous membranes of the lips and eyes, but also on the gastrointestinal mucosa, which is accompanied by pain, bloating, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, etc.

  6. Hives due to physical impact develops, according to one of the theories, due to a violation of microcirculation in tissues that are regularly exposed to irritation, and an increased sensitivity of the skin in these places to damaging factors.
  7. Urticaria that occurs after skin contact with an irritant is called contact urticaria.

According to the severity, urticaria of mild, moderate and severe course is distinguished.

The severe course of any allergic reaction requires hospitalization in a hospital for medical care, since the risk of developing life-threatening complications is high.

In cases where the cause (in particular, the allergen) of the urticaria is not found, it is called idiopathic.

Urticaria symptoms

Urticaria is characterized by the appearance on the skin of blisters of a pale pink, pink or purple color, raised above the surface of healthy skin and accompanied by severe itching, with the possible development of pain in the affected area. These processes are mainly associated with the release of a biologically active substance – histamine into the blood (treatment with antihistamines is based on a decrease in synthesis or sensitivity to it). In some cases, symptoms of general intoxication may appear: body aches, weakness, sometimes there is a slight increase in body temperature.

In cases of a combination of urticaria with other allergic reactions, the addition of symptoms characteristic of a certain pathology is possible. So, with allergic conjunctivitis, the patient is worried about itching, redness of the eyes, lacrimation, photophobia and swelling of the eyelids. With allergic rhinitis, in addition to profuse nasal discharge, nasal congestion, impaired smell and nasal breathing occur. Hearing changes are possible due to edema of the Eustachian tubes. An attack of bronchospasm, provoked by exposure to an allergen, is manifested by a feeling of incomplete exhalation, lack of air, wheezing.

The development of an asthma attack, accompanied by cyanosis of the skin, lips and nasolabial triangle (the latter is especially pronounced in children), severe shortness of breath, lack of effect from the use of familiar inhalers or the use of special inhalers more than 8 times a day requires immediate seeking specialized medical help.

Papular urticaria is more susceptible to women. Most often, red-brown lesions are located on the lower extremities.Also, delimited areas of hyperpigmentation appear in the folds of the skin, and hyperkeratosis (excessive flaking) develops.

Dermographic urticaria is manifested as follows: an area of ​​the skin exposed to mechanical stress (scratching, friction) turns red, slightly swells, and an itchy rash appears on it.

Solar urticaria occurs on exposed areas of the body that are most exposed to rays. The manifestations are similar to allergic urticaria – itchy, edematous blisters of various sizes appear on the skin.More often, the disease is recorded in women.

With cold urticaria, the severity of the disease depends on the severity of skin manifestations: redness of the affected area, itching, edema with expansion of the affected surface. One of the causes of cold urticaria is the increased formation of cryoglobulins – special plasma proteins that can precipitate at temperatures below 37 ° C.

Urticaria in children is expressed by redness, the appearance of edema and itching of the affected area.More often than in adults, the digestive tract organs are involved in the process, which is manifested by rapidly passing diarrhea, abdominal pain, and sometimes vomiting.

Due to the immaturity of the immune system in the early years of life, children are characterized by a more pronounced response to exposure to an allergen.

If, after vibration exposure, itchy blisters appear on the skin, we can talk about vibrational urticaria. It is more often encountered by people of certain professions (working with a jackhammer, asphalt pavers, etc.)).

It is easy to recognize contact urticaria – the lesions have clear boundaries at the point of contact with the irritant. For example, if you are allergic to latex, urticaria will appear on the areas of the hands that come into contact with gloves. Diagnosis of the disease is difficult in cases where urticaria develops in response to contact with the skin and mucous membranes of respiratory allergens (pollen of trees, flowers, weeds).

Diagnostics

The examination begins with a general blood test and counting the number of eosinophils in a blood smear.

Urticaria – causes, symptoms, treatment and diagnosis. Acute and chronic urticaria.

Urticaria is a skin disease associated with the appearance of an allergic rash. In shape and size, it resembles the blisters that appear after being hit by nettles, hence the name. In an acute form, rashes appear literally in the first minutes after interacting with a provoking factor, they disappear quickly – within a few hours. If the action of the allergen is not eliminated, a recurrent form of the disease occurs.A single episode does not require treatment, but chronic urticaria will not go away without therapy. If symptoms of hives appear, you should definitely see a doctor.

At CELT you can get advice from a specialist gastroenterologist.

  • Initial consultation – 3 500
  • Repeated consultation – 2 300

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The mechanism of development of the disease

Urticaria differs from other dermatological and allergic diseases in the presence of a clear and understandable relationship between exposure to an allergen and the appearance of rashes.Most often, patients themselves can name the provoking agent – the symptoms appear a few minutes after contact with the provoking factor. If the causes of urticaria are unknown, it is recommended that first of all pay attention to contact with animals and nutrition.

An immediate-type allergic reaction develops as follows: the allergen enters the body, mast cells are immediately directed to it – they cause the release of immunoglobulin E. When a mast cell is in conditions of an increased immunoglobulin content, it produces histamines – substances that increase vascular permeability and cause edema.This is a defense mechanism that allows the body to block part of the allergen and remove part as quickly as possible.

The provoking factor may not be a substance, but a physical effect – heat or cold, stress. Also, allergies can be caused by the presence of a focus of infection in the human body.

In clinical diagnosis, acute and chronic urticaria differ in duration – if episodes of urticaria are present for 6 weeks and are interspersed with periods of remission, then chronic urticaria is diagnosed.

Causes of development and forms of urticaria

The main cause of urticaria is contact with an allergen. There are many factors that can provoke a pathological response of the immune system (this is an allergy). Most often, urticaria is caused by contact with such groups of substances as:

  • Medicines, especially antibiotics and hormonal preparations.
  • Dust.
  • Animal wool or feathers.
  • Plant pollen, poplar fluff.
  • Substances that enter the skin through insect bites.
  • Compounds secreted by parasites – the most common cause of allergies is lamblia.
  • Certain substances in food.

For the development of acute urticaria, a sufficient short-term contact with the allergen is required. The chronic form is characterized by frequent relapses and is associated with prolonged proximity to the substance causing the pathological reaction. Therefore, at the first manifestations of allergies, it makes sense to conduct special tests, find out what exactly caused the rash, and exclude any contact with this substance.

In the chronic form, rash and inflammation are less pronounced. After an exacerbation, the symptoms disappear for a while. Recurrent urticaria may be associated with the presence of a focus of infection in the body and requires specialist advice.

Symptoms of urticaria

The disease has specific manifestations, therefore, problems with the diagnosis usually do not arise.

Specific symptoms of allergic urticaria:

  • Skin rash that looks like blisters from contact with nettles.
  • Blisters on pressure are white, discolored.
  • Itching leading to scratching.
  • The skin at the site of the lesion is edematous, reddened.
  • The rash can appear on any part of the body in acute form, sometimes urticaria even affects the mucous membranes.
  • In chronic pathology, the rash often appears on the bends of the arms and legs.

In direct contact with the allergen, the rash appears quickly, within a few minutes, and disappears without a trace in a maximum of 2 days.The rash will subside within 3-6 hours.

In the event of complications, skin symptoms may be accompanied by laryngeal edema, fever, weakness, headache, nausea, and respiratory failure.

If life-threatening complications appear, it is necessary to take any antihistamine and call a doctor. If the allergy symptoms are manifested only by hives, then emergency care is not required. In this case, it is worth making an appointment with an allergist in order to establish a diagnosis and avoid chronicity of the disease.

Diagnosis of urticaria

Diagnosis begins with an examination by a specialist doctor and most often ends at the stage of collecting an anamnesis. Typical urticaria is associated with the presence of a specific allergen. Most of the patients had atopic reactions in childhood. Visual assessment of the skin helps to make a definitive diagnosis – hives can be easily distinguished from other skin diseases.

If there are symptoms, but the patient finds it difficult to name the cause of the pathological reaction, a number of specific tests are performed.From laboratory tests, a determination of general and specific immunoglobulin E is prescribed, as well as a general blood test. Special provocative tests allow you to identify a fairly specific allergy provocateur. If the cause is not established, further diagnosis consists in tests for parasitic invasions.

Treatment of the disease

If the allergen is known, the main recommendation is to avoid contact with the urticaria-provoking substance, if possible.That is why accurate diagnosis is important – it is necessary to understand which group of chemical compounds can lead to the development of urticaria. It often happens that the same substance is found in different foods or different pharmaceuticals. And pet allergies can affect just one breed or spread to almost all pets, from cats to hamsters.

Therapy is needed if the disease has passed into a relapsing form – this happens if it is impossible to stop contact with the provocateur.In a situation where the test results show the presence of an infectious focus, it is required to determine an infectious disease. It is likely that the urticaria will go away after healing.

If a patient is diagnosed with an allergy to dust, food or plants, then a change in lifestyle is required: frequent wet cleaning, adherence to a correct diet and refusal to walk during the flowering period. Concomitant treatment is intended to relieve symptoms if they recur.

Drug therapy

Treatment consists of taking antihistamines.Thanks to the development of medicine, drugs of the last generation have appeared that do not cause drowsiness and do not affect the performance of complex work, concentration of attention and the ability to control mechanisms and vehicles. Despite the fact that the independent choice of patients often stops at suprastin, there are more modern means that the attending physician will help to choose.

Treatment is not limited to antihistamines. Over a long period, they may be ineffective.In this case, drugs from the group of corticosteroids are prescribed. These are more serious medications and can only be taken as directed and under the supervision of a specialist.

In addition to the main treatment, you may need to take other groups of drugs:

  • Sedatives – if urticaria is associated with stress.
  • Enterosorbents – if the allergy is triggered by a recent meal.
  • Local remedies (ointments, gels, lotions) that help fight itching.
  • There are drugs that can prevent serious consequences in the development of angioedema.

The use of local remedies can relieve unpleasant symptoms. As a rule, non-hormonal drugs are prescribed, which have a calming and wound healing effect, relieve swelling. The doctor selects medicines individually, depending on the course of the disease and the characteristics of the development of allergies in a particular patient.

Physiotherapy methods include:

  • Therapeutic water procedures – for dermatological problems, they are used only after the appointment of the attending physician.
  • Health resort rest. It is especially effective, since it allows not only to normalize the emotional state, but also assumes the absence of contact with the allergen.
  • Physiotherapy exercises.

In the chronic form, it is important to carry out complex treatment, and it should begin with identifying the allergen and making a clear diagnosis. Modern medicine allows you to choose effective remedies that allow you to get rid of urticaria, regardless of what it is caused by.

You can undergo a full diagnosis and start treatment in the multifunctional CELT clinic. If you are familiar with this problem, you can consult an allergist.

90,000 Urticaria – symptoms, diagnosis and treatment

Urticaria (urticaria) is one of the most common skin diseases. According to American researchers, every fifth person on Earth has at least one episode of urticaria during their lifetime, while in recent years there has been a significant increase in the incidence, especially among the population of developed countries.

Urticaria is manifested by an inflammatory itchy rash on the skin and / or angioedema (swelling of the deep layers of the skin or mucous membranes), which most often regress within 24 hours. Recurrent angioedema is observed in 33-67% of patients with urticaria. In 15% of cases, angioedema can occur in isolation, without being accompanied by a rash on the skin.

Acute (lasting less than 6 weeks) and chronic (more than 6 weeks) forms of urticaria are distinguished, as well as its various varieties: cold, heat, aquagenic (on contact with water), urticaria from pressure, spontaneous dermographism, etc.

Acute urticaria is more often caused by drugs (antibiotics, analgesics, sulfa drugs, B vitamins, etc.), food (most often nuts, fish, seafood, etc.), infections or insect bites.

Chronic urticaria usually develops with prolonged sensitization. So, 20-30% of all cases of acute urticaria, 91% of which are caused by infection, become chronic. Relapses of the disease, characterized by the appearance of blisters on different parts of the skin, are replaced by remissions of varying duration.Often, the painful itching accompanying the disease may be accompanied by insomnia, neurotic disorders.

Most studies indicate that women suffer from urticaria twice as often as men, the peak incidence occurs between the ages of 20 and 40, i.e. for the most active and important period for a working person. According to research in Germany, the disease is more common among people with a high socio-economic level and residents of large cities.

The causes of chronic urticaria can be various factors: inhalation and food allergens, infections of the gastrointestinal tract, urinary system, helminthic and parasitic invasions, systemic diseases, thyroid pathology, etc.e. Currently, international standards have been developed for the diagnosis of various forms of urticaria, which are used by doctors at the European Medical Center. However, it should be noted that, despite the significant progress in medicine in this area, the cause of urticaria is not always possible to establish.

The success of the treatment of urticaria is determined mainly by a well-conducted examination. Diagnostics and treatment are aimed at identifying and removing the cause of the urticaria. So, when provoking factors are identified (for example, food products), it is necessary to exclude them from the diet, in the presence of an infection, for example, Helicobacter pylori – a course of antibiotic therapy, in case of thyroid pathology – an appropriate correction of its function, etc.e. Schemes of stepwise treatment of urticaria have been developed and are effectively used.

Thus, the problem of urticaria is extremely urgent, since it significantly reduces the quality of life. The European Medical Center has the latest methods for the diagnosis and treatment of allergic diseases, incl. urticaria, which allows us to provide high-quality effective care for our patients.

Urticaria – SPB GBUZ “Dermatovenerologic dispensary No. 4”

Urticaria (from lat.Urtica – nettle) is a group of diseases characterized by the development of itchy blisters and / or angioedema.

Idiopathic (spontaneous) urticaria – due to unknown cause

Dermographic – induced physical urticaria caused by mechanical action on the skin (friction, pressure)

Temperature (cold, heat) urticaria – physical urticaria that develops after exposure to a temperature trigger (cold, heat) on the skin

Vibration – induced physical urticaria, manifested by tissue edema at the site of vibration exposure

Urticaria from pressure – angioedema in the place of prolonged pressure, which develops several hours after the cessation of exposure to the provoking factor.

Cholinergic – urticaria induced by physical exertion, emotional stress, body heat (e.g. hot shower)

Solar urticaria – urticaria induced by ultraviolet radiation.

Contact – urticaria that occurs at the site of contact with allergens and nonspecific factors.

Angioedema is a symptom of urticaria or an independent disease characterized by edema of the deeper layers of the skin.

Chronic urticaria affects up to 1.8% of the adult population, 0.1-3% for children. The prevalence of acute urticaria is 8-20%. The duration of the disease in adults is 6–12 weeks in 52.8%, 3–6 months in 18.5%, 7–12 months in 9.4%, 1–5 years in 8.7% and more than 5 years in 11.3%. more often than men.

Classification

Urticaria is classified by the duration of the course, by type and subtype. One patient may have two or more different forms of urticaria. Acute urticaria is characterized by the development of blisters and / or angioedema in less than 6 weeks.Currently, there are explanations for the reasons for the development of chronic spontaneous urticaria, therefore the phrase “… due to known and unknown reasons” appeared. Physical urticaria can be chronic, which is why these forms are included in the classification of chronic urticaria. In the course of different forms of urticaria, there are features, for example, delayed urticaria from pressure is an edema in the place of pressure that develops several hours after exposure to an inducing factor. Occasionally, patients with chronic urticaria develop isolated edema without blistering.

Diagnosis of urticaria

Visual diagnostics of urticaria. Laboratory confirmation is required only to identify the cause of the disease.

  • Urticaria blister has three characteristics:

Central edema of various sizes, almost always surrounded by reflex erythema;

itching, sometimes burning sensation;

reversible, the blister disappears without a trace within 1-24 hours.

  • Angioedema is characterized by the following symptoms:

Rapidly developing edema of the deep layers of the dermis, subcutaneous tissue and submucosa;

feeling of fullness and soreness more often than itching;

erythema may be absent;

resolution up to 72 hours.

Laboratory diagnostics

  • It is not recommended to conduct intensive screening of all patients with urticaria to identify the causes of the disease.
  • It is not recommended to conduct an examination in the case of acute urticaria, except in cases where a history of a provoking factor is indicated. In 95% of cases, acute urticaria is self-limited within 2 weeks and is effectively treated with antihistamines (in severe cases, GCS may be required).
  • Evaluation for chronic urticaria is recommended to determine the cause of the disease. In the case of chronic spontaneous urticaria, a limited range of compulsory examination is recommended. The range of diagnostics, in addition to routine examination methods, is dictated by the clinical situation and the patient’s history.

Treatment

The goal of urticaria treatment is to achieve complete control of symptoms.

  • N 1 – second generation antihistamines are recommended to be taken in the minimum required dose regularly, and not on demand.
  • It was recommended to try increasing the dose of H 1 – second generation antihistamines up to four times, following the algorithm for treating patients with chronic urticaria.
  • A short course of systemic corticosteroids is recommended as a third-line therapy or treatment for severe exacerbations.

Indications for hospitalization

  1. Angioedema in the larynx with risk of asphyxia.
  2. All cases of anaphylactic reaction accompanied by urticaria.
  3. Severe exacerbation of chronic urticaria and angioedema, torpid to outpatient treatment.

Conclusions:

  • Acute spontaneous urticaria in most cases remains the only episode in the patient’s life.
  • Spontaneous remission occurs in 50% of patients with chronic recurrent urticaria.
  • Chronic urticaria is characterized by an undulating course without progressive deterioration.
  • Antihistamines are effective in 40-60% of patients with chronic idiopathic (spontaneous) urticaria.

Atayan E.A.

Urticaria

Urticaria is a skin disorder accompanied by a red, itchy rash. Most often occurs in patients with a predisposition to diseases such as bronchial asthma, eczema, allergies. The rash usually goes away within a few hours, but in acute or chronic stages it can last more than 5 weeks.

Reasons

Urticaria occurs when biological substances are released into the bloodstream. The cause is histamine in mast cells, but when it is released, the blood vessels dilate and release liquid elements into the tissue. As a result of this process, inflammation of the epidermis occurs, which is accompanied by itching.

However, other chemicals such as acetylcholine can also affect the body.

Skin damage arising from urticaria.

Bubbles or blisters that form on the skin as a result of urticaria will look like red spots with slight swelling. In general, local skin lesions disappear after a few hours, however, subsequent foci on new skin areas may occur. In terms of size, the spots can be either small or more than three centimeters in size.

Factors of development of urticaria

– can be caused by physical fatigue, sudden cold snap and even when interacting with water.
– some types of drugs can provoke the appearance of urticaria, or aggravate an existing disease.
– in people with a predisposition to this disease, the consumption of food products such as nuts, shellfish or strawberries can become a provoking factor. Mackerel and tuna are both histamine-containing foods that can directly cause disease.

Survey

In the absence of obvious causes of the onset of the disease, the patient will need to take a blood test and undergo an x-ray of the chest organs in order to exclude the development of tumor processes in the body.Other research methods are often not used.

Treatment

Most often, with this disease, the doctor prescribes a course of taking antihistamines. However, among the positive qualities, these drugs have a number of disadvantages and side effects, such as drowsiness. Itching can be relieved by skin cooling treatments, applying menthol cream, and wearing loose clothing.

Hives are not dangerous, but they can be troublesome and inconvenient.To prevent the onset of this disease, you should try to avoid the factors that provoke this disease.

Urticaria in adults and children. Urticaria causes, treatment

Methods of extracorporeal hemocorrection (membrane plasmapheresis, cascade hemofiltration) cannot save you from contact with the allergen, but they can suppress the autoimmune process, permanently remove the manifestations of an allergic reaction.

Urticaria in adults and children is an allergic disease , characterized by the appearance of common itchy rashes on the skin, usually blisters that appear after a person comes into contact with an allergen (food, plants, medications, etc.)or are related to another medical condition of the patient. The nature of the rash is similar to that that appears after a nettle burn, hence the disease got its name.

Urticaria in adults – a more dangerous, undesirable disorder, since it indicates an allergic heredity, is more severe, has a risk of severe complications, such as Quincke’s edema.

Causes of urticaria in adults

Unlike children, adults have more contact with various substances, among which there may be:

  • medicines for which the body has an intolerance
  • food allergy
  • insects, or rather their substances, which get in through bites
  • physical influences (cold, heat, radiation, touch of metal, wood, etc.)etc.)
  • Hormonal Disorders
  • stress
  • household chemicals
  • pollen, dust, wool
  • neoplasms

This is a far from complete list, since anything can become an allergen for every person, there is no limited list of irritants.

The use of plasmapheresis in the treatment of urticaria

In treatment of urticaria , the rapid release of the body from autoantibodies and other substances that provoke an inflammatory reaction on the skin, as well as the cessation of new production of antibodies by the cells of the immune system is of paramount importance.

Therapeutic plasmapheresis allows you to achieve this most effectively. Improvement occurs after the first session. And a course of 2-3 sessions in most cases allows you to achieve a stable remission at chronic urticaria .

905 , recurrence of skin rashes

Indications for plasmapheresis in the treatment of urticaria Expected effect of treatment
Activity of an allergic reaction Removal of accumulated antibodies and inflammation inducers from the body
Expressed clinical manifestations Rapid interruption and prevention of recurrence of the disease, lengthening the period of remission

More about the disease Urticaria

Acute urticaria usually lasts from several hours to several days.Then the rash (blisters) disappear without a trace. But there are chronic forms of it, lasting months, even years.

Any factors can act as provocateurs – food, medicine, perfumery, cosmetics, strong odor, heat or cold, insect bite, contact with a plant, washing powder or other household chemicals, microorganisms, etc. But it is far from always possible to identify an allergen.

The cause of urticaria in adults , in addition to the above, can be any other disease – pathology of the gastrointestinal tract (gastritis, peptic ulcer), helminthic invasion, even just stress.

Urticaria treatment

Treatment of urticaria in adults and children , like any allergic disease, begins with the cessation of contact with the allergen (if it was possible to identify it). In drug therapy, antihistamines are used to reduce the activity of the allergic process. Sometimes you have to resort to hormone therapy (more often in the form of hormone-containing ointments).

Membrane plasmapheresis, cleansing the body of antibodies and substances that provoke inflammatory processes in the skin, as well as suppressing the excessive activity of immune cells, allows you to quickly interrupt the allergic reaction and achieve long-term remission.